Aurora College Aurora Research Institute Expanding the Research Mandate from an Institutional Perspective ACCC - College & Institute Research Symposium – February 23, 2001

2 Aurora College Historical Development Establishment of the Adult Vocational Training Centre (AVTC) in Fort Smith Creation of Thebacha College in Fort Smith Arctic College was established, initially with campuses in Fort Smith and Iqaluit Arctic College and Science Institute of the NWT are amalgamated In advance of division, two separate colleges were created: Nunavut Arctic College in the East and Aurora College in the West Science Institute renamed Aurora Research Institute

3 Aurora College Background 1994 Arctic College & Science Institute of the NWT (SINT) amalgamate1994 Arctic College & Science Institute of the NWT (SINT) amalgamate 1995 Aurora College with Aurora Research Institute (ARI)1995 Aurora College with Aurora Research Institute (ARI) –Nunavut Arctic College with Nunavut Research Institute strengthen links between science & post-secondary educationstrengthen links between science & post-secondary education

4 Aurora Research Institute Historic Roles & Responsibilities As Science Institute of the NWT (SINT), ARI:As Science Institute of the NWT (SINT), ARI: –provided scientific & technological advice to the Legislative Assembly –licensed research in the NWT –managed research centres - Inuvik, Iqaluit & Igloolik –promoted science education –fostered technology development

5 Aurora Research Institute Mission Our mission is to promote the further development of communities within the NWT by advancing northern knowledge, by creating partnerships, and by providing leadership and programs which promote scientific research to meet community needsOur mission is to promote the further development of communities within the NWT by advancing northern knowledge, by creating partnerships, and by providing leadership and programs which promote scientific research to meet community needs

6 Aurora Research Institute Current Roles & Responsibilities GNWT advisor on science & technologyGNWT advisor on science & technology license researchlicense research educational resourceeducational resource develop a Northern Research Agenda for the NWTdevelop a Northern Research Agenda for the NWT Incorporation & documentation of traditional knowledgeIncorporation & documentation of traditional knowledge Research & education partnershipsResearch & education partnerships –Community groups –Government departments –Universities

7 Aurora Research Institute Research Projects over the past 5 years Traditional Plant UseTraditional Plant Use Inuvialuit History & CultureInuvialuit History & Culture Climate ChangeClimate Change Oil & Gas projectOil & Gas project Plain Language summary of Gwich’in Land ClaimPlain Language summary of Gwich’in Land Claim Aklavik National Park Traditional Place Name ProjectAklavik National Park Traditional Place Name Project Western Arctic HandbookWestern Arctic Handbook

8 Aurora Research Institute Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) Aurora Research Institute Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) Partnership with NRCanPartnership with NRCan Enhance northern technologiesEnhance northern technologies -Fibreglass North – Telephone Poles -Energy Wall – Energy efficient wall design Build a strong northern knowledge baseBuild a strong northern knowledge base

9 Aurora Research Institute Future Developments Increased level of research by College staff & studentsIncreased level of research by College staff & students –Increasing numbers of professional staff Comprehensive northern research programsComprehensive northern research programs –Eligibility established with Canada Foundation for Innovation –Eligibility for other federal funding programs NSERC & SSHRCNSERC & SSHRC Long term development towards a University CollegeLong term development towards a University College

10 Conclusion Aurora College has established a strong research and technology divisionAurora College has established a strong research and technology division Serves as base for northern knowledge and expertiseServes as base for northern knowledge and expertise Working towards greater integration of education and researchWorking towards greater integration of education and research